Collaborative Research: Building a Life Science Curriculum for Elementary Teachers

Chico State Enterprises, Chico CA

Investigators

Abstract

Biological Sciences (61) Chico State, Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College are collaboratively developing and testing 15-weeks of life science learning materials for prospective (K-8) elementary teachers. This curriculum is based on a previously designed ten week course entitled "Investigating the Flow of Matter and Energy in Living Systems" that has already been adopted by several schools. Using a constructivist, inquiry-based approach, each unit begins with an assessment of students' prior knowledge and ends with a reflection comparing their initial ideas and their new scientific understanding. Students are encouraged to structure their own learning with the hopes they will adopt both student-centered pedagogy and the constructivist approach to curriculum development in their teaching.